Velasquez vs. Dos Santos: Velasquez Is Facing More Pressure in Saturday's Fight

Both Cain Velasquez and Junior dos Santos are facing a lot of pressure for the UFC's first event on Fox, but Velasquez has more to lose.

Other than the obvious fact that his belt is on the line, Velasquez has to win this fight not only for himself, but for the Latin people he represents.

The UFC has been hyping up the fact that Velasquez is the first Mexican heavyweight champion in combat sports history, so you know a lot’s riding on Velasquez’s shoulders heading into the bout.

Teenage Latinos are telling Velasquez that they now have someone to look up to, and that he is a role model for them. That’s all fine and dandy, but can you imagine the pressure that comes along with that?

Much to my surprise, Velasquez looks poised and as cool as he’s ever been going into the fight.

Never mind the fact that this is the biggest fight in UFC history, and White has pledged to the media and fans that this fight will deliver. Velasquez seems as if he could care less.

In fact, I feel like deep down he likes having the additional pressure.

Not that he loves the media attention, because you can tell from first glance that he hates doing interviews.

But I believe deep down that he likes having the hopes of his idols on his back as he faces his toughest challenge to date.

Maybe that’s what he thought about when he had to get over his shoulder surgery and get back in shape.

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like that kind of pressure would almost be unbearable—especially in a fight like this where the UFC makes its debut on network television, and you’re the heavyweight champion.

I’m sure a lot of fighters would crack under that kind of pressure, so it’s only natural to question Velasquez’s ability to handle the situation.

But then again, maybe Velasquez was just born for this.